Pakistani to be sentenced in NYC for soldier clash

[September 23, 2010]  NEW YORK (AP) -- A Pakistani scientist convicted of trying to kill U.S. agents and military officers is set to be sentenced in New York City.

Aafia Siddiqui (ah-FEE'-uh sih-DEE'-kee) was labeled an al-Qaida supporter and was brought to the United States after being arrested in Afghanistan in July 2008. She was found guilty of grabbing a rifle and trying to shoot U.S. authorities while yelling, "Death to Americans!"

Her February conviction touched off protests in Pakistan.

Prosecutors argue Siddiqui is a cold-blooded radical who deserves life in prison. Defense lawyers have asked the judge for leniency and want a sentence closer to 12 years behind bars.

The judge is scheduled to sentence Siddiqui on Thursday in federal court in Manhattan.

[Associated Press; By TOM HAYS]

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